The Biennale emerged from the intense cultural activity that makes Athens one of the most interesting places for contemporary art, and it aims to be an agent of constant change and innovation, provide a context for creativity and dialogue and constitute a wide platform for the designation and the critical engagement of local artistic production, as well as a forum of discussion and exchange with the international scene.
In parallel with the biennale exhibition, the Athens Biennale produces AB Projects, like the bilingual online magazine a. the athens contemporary art review and the online radio station artwave radio, organises conferences and presentations, publishes books, and supports the participation of artists in other international exhibitions. The Athens Biennale is organized by the Athens Biennale Non-Profit Organization, which was founded in November 2005 by Xenia Kalpaktsoglou, Poka-Yio, and Augustine Zenakos (XYZ).